Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawyer in California
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of everyday life in California. Millions of people rely on these platforms for transportation to work, to airports, to nightlife destinations, and for daily errands.
While rideshare apps offer convenience, they have also created new safety concerns—including sexual assault and sexual abuse allegations involving drivers, passengers, and third parties.
Reports released by major rideshare companies have revealed thousands of sexual assault complaints over recent years, including allegations involving unwanted touching, kidnapping, sexual battery, attempted rape, and rape.
If you were sexually assaulted during an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare trip, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation—even if criminal charges are never filed.
California law allows survivors to pursue civil claims against both the individual perpetrator and, in some cases, the rideshare company when negligent hiring, poor background checks, inadequate safety systems, or failure to respond to prior complaints contributed to the abuse.
At Injury Justice Law Firm, our California sexual abuse attorneys help survivors pursue justice while protecting their privacy and long-term recovery.
To schedule a consultation, call (818) 394-7835 or contact us here. Our law firm is based in Los Angeles.
What Is Considered Rideshare Sexual Abuse?
Rideshare sexual abuse refers to non-consensual sexual conduct that occurs during or in connection with rideshare transportation services.
This may involve:
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Sexual battery
- Groping
- Forced kissing
- Attempted rape
- Rape
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Kidnapping connected to sexual abuse
- Assault by another passenger
These incidents may occur:
- During the ride
- During pickups or drop-offs
- After a driver obtains personal information
- During rideshare pooling services
- During rides to hotels, bars, airports, or private residences
California Law on Sexual Battery
California Civil Code 1708.5 allows victims of sexual battery to file civil lawsuits for damages.
This law applies when someone intentionally makes harmful or offensive sexual contact with another person without consent.
Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages
Common Examples of Rideshare Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in rideshare settings can happen in many ways.
Driver Assaults Passenger
A driver may:
- Lock doors
- Drive to an isolated area
- Make sexual advances
- Commit physical assault
Example:
A passenger falls asleep during a late-night ride home and wakes up to unwanted sexual touching.
Passenger Assaults Passenger
Shared rides can create dangerous situations.
Example:
A passenger using a pooled ride is assaulted by another passenger.
Driver Uses Personal Information
Drivers may improperly use personal information to stalk victims after rides.
Example:
- Repeated calls
- Unwanted texts
- Showing up at a rider's home
Drug-Facilitated Assault
Some allegations involve drivers or passengers using alcohol or drugs to impair victims.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Several parties may be responsible.
The Individual Perpetrator
The person who committed the abuse may face both criminal and civil liability.
Uber, Lyft, or Other Rideshare Companies
Companies may face liability for:
- Negligent hiring
- Poor background checks
- Failure to remove dangerous drivers
- Ignoring prior complaints
- Inadequate passenger safety features
Third Parties
Bars, hotels, event venues, or other businesses may share liability in certain cases.
Can Uber or Lyft Be Sued?
Yes, in some situations.
Although rideshare companies often argue drivers are independent contractors, lawsuits may still arise based on:
- Negligent retention
- Failure to investigate complaints
- Inadequate screening systems
- Dangerous app design issues
Large rideshare companies have faced numerous lawsuits nationwide.
What to Do After a Rideshare Sexual Assault
Taking immediate action may help protect your safety and legal rights.
Consider:
- Calling 911
- Seeking medical care
- Preserving ride receipts
- Taking screenshots of trip details
- Reporting the incident to the rideshare company
- Speaking with an attorney
Avoid deleting messages or app records.
Statute of Limitations in California
California gives many sexual abuse survivors extended deadlines to file civil lawsuits.
Adult survivors may have:
- Up to 10 years from the incident
- Or 3 years from discovering related injuries
Under California law, minors may have significantly longer filing windows.
Deadlines vary based on case facts.
Related California Laws in Rideshare Sexual Abuse Cases
Several California laws may apply when sexual abuse occurs during an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare trip. Depending on the facts of the case, survivors may have both civil and criminal legal remedies against the perpetrator, rideshare company, or other negligent parties.
California Civil Code 1708.5 – Sexual Battery
This law allows survivors to file a civil lawsuit when someone intentionally makes harmful or offensive sexual contact without consent.
Victims may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy costs
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
This is one of the most common statutes used in California rideshare sexual abuse lawsuits.
Under California law, any unwanted sexual contact without your consent is classified as sexual battery under Civil Code 1708.5.
California Penal Code 243.4 – Criminal Sexual Battery
Penal Code 243.4 makes it a crime to touch another person's intimate parts without consent for sexual gratification, abuse, or arousal.
This law may apply in rideshare cases involving:
- Groping
- Unwanted touching
- Forced sexual contact
- Assault during a ride
Criminal charges may be filed separately from a civil lawsuit.
California Penal Code 261 – Rape
If the abuse involves non-consensual sexual intercourse, prosecutors may file rape charges under Penal Code 261.
This may include situations involving:
- Physical force
- Threats
- Intoxication
- Unconscious victims
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault
Civil lawsuits may still proceed even if no criminal conviction occurs.
California Penal Code 289 – Sexual Penetration Without Consent
Penal Code 289 criminalizes non-consensual sexual penetration involving force, intoxication, or unconscious victims.
This law may apply in severe rideshare assault cases.
California Code of Civil Procedure 340.16 – Sexual Assault Filing Deadlines
California gives survivors expanded time to file civil lawsuits involving sexual assault.
In many cases, survivors may have:
- Up to 10 years from the assault date
- Or 3 years from discovering psychological injuries related to the abuse
This law significantly expanded filing opportunities for survivors.
California Civil Code 52.4 – Gender Violence Claims
This law allows survivors to pursue civil damages when violence or threats are committed because of gender.
It may apply in rideshare assault cases involving:
- Physical violence
- Threats
- Gender-based targeting
California Civil Code 52.1 – Bane Act
The Bane Act allows victims to sue when threats, intimidation, or coercion interfere with their civil rights.
This may apply when perpetrators use threats, confinement, or intimidation during rideshare assaults.
California Civil Code 1708.7 – Stalking
Some rideshare drivers improperly use passenger contact information after a ride.
This law may apply when drivers engage in:
- Stalking
- Repeated calls
- Harassment
- Unwanted visits
- Threatening communications
Negligent Hiring and Negligent Retention Claims
While not tied to one specific statute, California negligence laws may allow survivors to sue rideshare companies for:
- Poor background checks
- Ignoring prior complaints
- Failing to remove dangerous drivers
- Inadequate safety systems
These claims are frequently central to Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits.
Key Takeaway
Rideshare sexual abuse cases often involve both criminal laws and civil liability statutes. An experienced California sexual abuse attorney can determine which laws apply and pursue every available path to hold both perpetrators and negligent companies accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Uber if the driver sexually assaulted me?
Possibly.
Liability depends on whether the company failed to take reasonable safety measures.
What if criminal charges are never filed?
You may still pursue a civil lawsuit.
Civil cases have a lower burden of proof.
What if I was assaulted by another passenger?
You may still have legal options depending on the facts.
How much is a rideshare sexual abuse case worth?
Every case differs based on injuries, trauma, and liability issues.
Is my case confidential?
Many law firms take steps to protect survivor privacy whenever possible.
Speak With a California Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse during an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare trip can cause life-changing trauma.
If you or someone you love was harmed, an experienced California sexual abuse attorney can investigate the incident, identify all liable parties, and help you pursue compensation and accountability.
For the best chance at a positive result, contact a sexual abuse attorney at the Injury Justice Law Firm. To schedule a consultation, reach out to us here.